When it comes to household pest control, most homeowners think of preventative treatments for spiders, ants, and roaches. However, residential pest control is about so much more than that. For example, one of the things that your local pest control company can help with is treating a rat infestation. Infestations of rodents like these take a comprehensive, professional approach to truly eliminate. Here's a look at what you need to know to determine if you need professional rodent treatment.
Sounds Of An Infestation
One of the earliest indications of a rat infestation for most homeowners is unfortunately a sign that only comes when the infestation has progressed to a significant level. In many cases, rats will move along inside the walls of your home. The more rats there are moving around inside the walls, the more scratching, squeaking, and scurrying you're likely to hear. Sometimes, the noises are subtle. However, if your house is quiet, such as late at night, you might find that you can hear them scurrying in the walls quite clearly.
Visible Signs Of An Infestation
In addition to the things you may hear in your home, there are also some visible signs of rodent infestation. You may see gnawing marks on wood trim in your home because rats like to chew. Additionally, you may see rat droppings in your home, especially in areas such as under or inside cabinets or along the walls. Another thing many homeowners don't realize is that rats tend to rub on things. The oils in their fur will leave greasy streaks along the surfaces that they rub on. You may see these streaks along the baseboards of the walls or on the edges of the holes that they go in and out of.
Since rats are usually most active in the evening and nighttime hours, you may only see the rats in your home at night. However, if the population becomes significant, you may even see them in or around your home during the day as well.
Smells Of An Infestation
Few people think much of the odor associated with a rat, but there is, in fact, an odor that rats release. The heavy oils in their fur create a very strong musky stench that can be overwhelming when rats are in significant numbers. If you've got an infestation, you may start to notice this odor from the walls where the rats collect.
Talk with a local pest control contractor today for more information on rodent treatment options.
